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Recession watch

Will the U.S. economy soon be in a recession? It's the trillion-dollar question that even experts don't know the answer to. Here's how to prepare for a potential downturn, and how one could impact you.

Insights from our expert analysts

“Economic uncertainty is a time for reducing debt and boosting savings, not the other way around.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Do's and don'ts of saving during a recession

To help you navigate saving during a recession, we asked a number of experts what some of the most helpful things to do are, as well as some things you should try to avoid at all costs.
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Recessions & your money

Illustration of a person holding a house with a rain cloud over it
How might a recession affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.
A middle-aged couple looks out to the beach from their van
Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
Illustration of worker with a brief case
The once-booming labor market is starting to face some trouble.

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Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

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Greg McBride

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Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

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Latest articles

A middle-aged couple looks out to the beach from their van
Here are some tips to help make sure your retirement savings are protected in the event of a recession.
Young mother looking for a job using internet
Overpaid in unemployment benefits? Here’s how to resolve the issue efficiently.
Couple sitting on a sofa, looking at a laptop
Mortgage rates have fallen, but the imminent Fed cut could make them even more favorable for refinancers.
inflation and the housing market photo illustration
The housing market isn’t immune from outside economic forces, including inflation.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates several times. These interest rate changes are likely to affect the rates of personal loans.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
It isn’t always about two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett halves Apple stake: What investors can learn from the move.
white-collar woman looks tired in the office
Despite strong economic indicators, many Americans are experiencing a “vibecession.”
Whimsical illustration of a hand putting a quarter into a miniature but realistic high end safe. As if it were a piggy bank
Comparing savings rates can ensure you get the best return on your savings.
Financial manager meeting with couple in bank branch office
Get the latest rates on top-yielding money market accounts.
A man does research on his laptop.
Add-on CDs can offer more flexibility than a traditional CD.
Man in coffee shop using laptop with a card in his hand.
The rule provides a framework for settling unauthorized debit-card transactions.
Person reading credit card statement
Here are easy actions you can take to avoid the fee of get it waived.
woman managing personal banking and finance at home
Working as a freelancer requires a new approach to saving money. Here’s how.
Couple looking at computer with their financial advisor
Local banks provide valuable in-person services that online-only banks can’t offer.
Unrealistic portrait of a house sitting on a large hill of cash
As inflation soars, most Americans say the economy has harmed their quality of life.
Upset woman thinking about high prices while looking at utilities, gas, electricity, rental charges, water bill due to inflation and crisis. Planning personal budget while sitting in kitchen. Weighing options on how to save money
A recession appears increasingly likely; here’s what it could mean for the credit card industry.
President Joe Biden speaks at a Democratic National Committee event
Some consumers may be feeling the pinch of stagflation already.
Fed Chairman Powell at the podium
Chairman Jerome Powell’s thoughts on the housing market in the most recent Fed meeting.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at the September post-meeting press conference
Rates are now at a near 15-year high, but what comes next?
Fall in Philadelphia
The holidays are mere weeks away, but there’s not much to celebrate about the mortgage rate climate.
President Biden speaking on a microphone in front of an illustration of the White House
Americans were also more likely to blame Washington policymakers than credit them.
Man with headphones on a zoom call
They may have found a better-paying job, but are those workers better off?
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